Warrenville seeks input on roundabout plan

March 13, 2014|By Gary Gibula | Special to the Tribune

John Mayer, a consultant with Engineering Resource Associates, of Warrenville, explained to residents a plan for a roundabout at the intersections of Warrenville, Batavia and River Roads. (Gary Gibula, for the Chicago Tribune)

More than 100 people filled Warrenville City Hall chambers this week to hear city officials detail how a roundabout could improve traffic flow and address an awkward spot where the intersection of Warrenville and Batavia Roads meet with River Road.

But some residents said there are too many unanswered questions and that the move could hurt a handful of businesses in the area.

The possible reconfiguration comes as DuPage County is planning to replace the Warrenville Road bridge over the West Branch of the DuPage River, which lies immediately east of the intersection, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is about to shift a portion of the river itself about 100 feet east.

The $3.6 million project largely will depend on the city's ability to secure a funding grant from the Federal Highway Administration that will pay 80 percent of the costs. Warrenville already has invested about $82,000 on design work for the plan.

Many residents seemed unconvinced over assurances that the roundabout would provide better safety at the intersection while still allowing access to adjacent businesses that include a tavern, gas station and two auto repair shops.

"It looks like you're making it more difficult to get in there," said Bob Rawls, who likened the roundabout to a "go-kart track."

The roundabout would necessitate the city to acquire at least a portion of a gas station property at the northeast corner of the intersection.

"How much do we have to make up in our taxes for losing sales tax and property tax revenue from (the gas station) leaving our revenue stream?" asked David Adams.

"We haven't yet calculated this," answered Community Development Director Ron Mentzer. "We're not saying this would be the economic engine for Warrenville, but it could spur more business in the long run."

Representatives from GasMart USA, the Kansas firm that owns the service station, did not immediately return calls for comment.

"I think it would be helpful to see how many cars go through this intersection," commented Vivian Lund, the former mayor of Warrenville. "I'm not sure all the questions have been answered this evening, but at this point I don't know if they can be answered."

Mentzer told residents he did not have statistics on the rate of traffic accidents at the intersection.

Others said they agreed with the city's assessment that more development might come to the area if it is improved.

"It's called 'change,' and a lot of people didn't like it," said Mike Logan. "It would be great to have an area where I can walk my dog or take my kids for something to eat and have some sense of community."

"I've only been here for 89 years," said Dwight Lund. "There is room for expansion and growth, and it will happen, provided you give it the space for the opportunity. I think this gives more opportunity than the current intersection."

An additional aspect of the plan is for the county to relinquish maintenance of River Road as well as Warrenville Road, from Winfield to Batavia Roads. Officials said a riverside park is planned, and the area will have the same decorative street lamps present in some other areas of town.

Mayor Dave Brummel asked the audience to keep an open mind about the project and assured them there would be future opportunities to comment.

"Do you simply not improve your home because it's going to cost money to do it?" Brummel asked, rhetorically. "It's the same way with your community --if you don't take care of it and protect your investment, it degrades."

After the public input process has concluded, later this year, Brummel said the city could apply for the federal grant money to help fund the roundabout project. If approved, officials said construction could begin by 2016 and take one construction season to finish.